Senior 3rd overall in baseball draft

Royals select American Heritage's first baseman

The American Heritage senior first baseman had been selected by the Kansas City Royals as the third overall pick in Thursday's Major League Baseball draft.

The two television broadcasts in Hosmer's home weren't in sync. That's why dozens of family and friends in the other room heard the news first.

When his name flashed on the screen and the phone rang, Hosmer could finally relax.

"To just hear my name was such a relief," he said. "I honestly didn't know what was going on. I thought maybe they showed me on the screen or something. I had an idea, but you never really know. Not until they say your name."

Hosmer's selection - about 30 minutes into the two-day, 50-round draft - was the highest pick of any Broward County high school player.

In 1992, St. Thomas Aquinas product Chad Mottola was selected fifth overall by Cincinnati after playing collegiately at Central Florida.

Palm Beach High had a second overall pick in 1968 when Peter Broberg was selected by the Athletics.

When the moment came for Hosmer, his mother, Ileana, cried. His American Heritage teammates delivered high-fives. His high school coach, Todd Fitz-Gerald fielded phone calls, including one from ESPN hoping for an interview with Hosmer.

It never happened. There was just no way to hear Hosmer over the celebration in his Cooper City living room.

Now Hosmer, 18, who helped lead Heritage to the Class 3A state baseball championship and the nation's top ranking, has to make a major decision.

He can sign with the Royals and begin his professional career. Or he can head to Arizona State and play in college.

The three-time South Florida Sun-Sentinel Player of the Year hit .470 with 11 home runs and 27 RBI as a senior. He is represented by hard-charging advisor Scott Boras a tough negotiator, known for helping his clients land some of baseball's most lucrative contracts.

Speculation in the industry is that Hosmer and Boras will want a Major League deal worth millions.

A year ago, the third overall pick, California high schooler Josh Vitters, received a $3.2 million signing bonus with the Chicago Cubs.

Hosmer, along with the more than 1,500 other draftees, will have until Aug. 15 to decide their futures, but Thursday, there was no talk of money.

Instead, the focus was Hosmer's accomplishment.

"I'm just overjoyed. It's such an honor to have him drafted. It really is the beginning of a dream for him," said Ileana Hosmer, the proud mother who spent many afternoons videotaping her son's games.

Hosmer will play summer ball in Ohio, but before then there will be a quick vacation to the Bahamas.

And a chance to hopefully sleep for the first time in days.

"This whole year has been insane," Hosmer said. "The state championship, the national championship, being drafted. It's awesome. It's just amazing."

INFORMATIONAL BOX:

Past top picks from Palm Beach and Broward counties

Palm Beach and Broward County players selected in the first round of the Major League Baseball Draft: